The final couple of the evening, Geoff and Caroline Parkes, was a surprise to the audience.

Mrs Parkes is actually barrister Caroline Bradley who has appeared in three Flitch Trials and had spoken gravely in defence of the pig earlier in the day.

This time, she stepped out from the lawyer’s bench in wig and gown to raise objections when the last claimant appeared, apparently without a wife. She said she had to declare an interest because, a year ago, she had married him. They met at a dinner party in Derby, where they now live. Dr Parkes is assistant dean at Aston Business School.

He said: “We’ve been married a year and 14 days. We thought it would lend a twist to the day. We are really glad we did it. There was a serious reflection on marriage but some of it was hilarious and being carried in the chair was a hoot.”

Caroline and Geoff were allowed to bring home the bacon which they will give to charity.